On-board propulsion testing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An interface assembly for connecting an on-board propulsion system to a testing facility includes a support member configured for coupling to a manipulation system and a mounting member configured for coupling to the on-board propulsion system. A plurality of channels extends between and couples the mounting member to the support member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/653,067, filed on Apr. 5, 2018, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an automated testing apparatus andcomponents associated with a testing facility and simulation chamber fora satellite-based on-board propulsion (OBP) system.

Typically, OBP systems are tested in a ground testing facility todetermine performance parameters before being delivered to customers forintegration with a satellite. This testing produces a deliverable oftest data to prove the OBP system's performance and is generally alabor-intensive and time consuming process.

SUMMARY

The disclosure provides an interface assembly for connecting an on-boardpropulsion system to a testing facility. The interface assembly includesa support member configured for coupling to a manipulation system and amounting member configured for coupling to the on-board propulsionsystem. A plurality of channels extends between and couples the mountingmember to the support member.

The disclosure provides, in another aspect, a testing system for testingan on-board propulsion system. The testing system includes a vessel, avacuum pump in operative communication with the vessel, and a pluralityof sensors positioned within the vessel. The testing system furtherincludes a manipulation system, a portion of which is automaticallymovable toward and away from the vessel. The testing system furtherincludes an interface assembly having a support member configured forcoupling to the manipulation system and a mounting member configured forcoupling to the on-board propulsion system. A plurality of channelsextends between and couples the mounting member to the support member.

The disclosure provides, in yet another aspect, a method for testing anon-board propulsion system within a testing facility. The methodincludes coupling the on-board propulsion system to an interfaceassembly and coupling the interface assembly to a manipulation system.The method also includes moving, via the manipulation system, theinterface assembly toward a chamber of the testing facility such that atleast a portion of the interface assembly is within the chamber. Themethod further includes connecting the interface assembly to the testingfacility such that the interface assembly is configured to receive afluid from the testing facility. The method additionally includesde-coupling the manipulation system from the interface assembly,operating the on-board propulsion system, and measuring and recording anoutput thrust force of the on-board propulsion system.

Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a testing facility including a testingassembly in accordance with the disclosure, illustrating an interfaceassembly of the testing assembly in a first, disengaged position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the testing assembly of FIG. 1illustrating the interface assembly and a manipulation system.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the interface assembly of FIG. 2,including an interface member and an OBP system.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the interface assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the testing facility of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, partially exploded view of an end portion of thetesting facility of FIG. 5 including the interface assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the testing facility of FIG. 5 and theinterface assembly, illustrating the interface assembly in a second,engaged position.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the testing facility of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of the end portion of the testingfacility of FIG. 7 with portions removed for clarity.

FIG. 10 is another enlarged side view of the end portion of the testingfacility illustrating another embodiment of an interface assembly in anengaged position in accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a testing process associated with testingOBP systems.

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its applicationto the details of the formation and arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments andof being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it isto be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is forthe purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a testing assembly 1010 for testing a satellite-basedOBP system. The testing assembly 1010 includes an interface assembly1014 configured for connection with the OBP system and for connectionwith a portion of a testing facility 1022. The testing assembly 1010also includes a manipulation system 1026. The illustrated manipulationsystem 1026 is a robotic arm 1024 supported by a base 1025. The roboticarm 1024 is configured for movement, i.e., rotating and translating, ofthe interface assembly 1014 relative to the testing facility 1022. Asshown in FIG. 2, the illustrated robotic arm 1024 includes a pluralityof segments 1015 connected by joints 1016 for moving the interfaceassembly 1014. In other embodiments, the manipulation system may insteadtake other forms, such as that of a mobile cart, e.g., on wheels orrails, to move the interface assembly 1014 relative to the testingfacility 1022.

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate the interface assembly 1014 including an interfacemember or body 1020. The body 1020 includes a mounting member 1027(i.e., in the form of a plate or flange) and a support member 1028(i.e., in the form of a plate or disc) spaced from and connected by legs1029 to the mounting member 1027. In the illustrated embodiment, theinterface assembly includes three spacers or legs 1029, in which eachleg 1029 is positioned at and extends from a corner of the mountingmember 1027. The mounting member 1027 is shaped to accommodate the legs1029, which may be more or fewer than three in number in someembodiments. In some embodiments, the mounting member 1027 may beadjacent the support member 1028, either abutting or minimally spacedtherefrom. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the body 1020 mayinclude only one of the mounting member 1027 and the support member1028. Further, in other embodiments, the body 1020 may be generallycuboid in shape and accordingly presents a plurality of sides or faces.Still further, in other embodiments the body 1020 may be one of manyshapes that presents a plurality of surfaces, as will be furtherexplained below.

A surface of the mounting member 1027 facing away from the supportmember 1028 is a first surface or side 1030 of the interface assembly1014. A bracket 1034 is secured (by fasteners) to the first side 1030(i.e., the mounting member 1027). The bracket 1034 is configured forcoupling to an OBP system 1082 such that the OBP system 1082 extendsfrom and is supported by the mounting member 1027. Alternatively, themounting member 1027 may serve as the aforementioned bracket orotherwise be in the form of a bracket, brace, arm, truss, etc., and mayclosely couple the OBP system 1082 to the body 1020 or couple the OBPsystem 1082 at a spaced distance from the body 1020, as alternativelydescribed herein. In other embodiments, the mounting member 1027 itselfmay form any one of the sides of the body 1020 and/or the bracket 1034may be positioned on any one of the sides of the body 1020.

The support member 1028 is generally planar and has a generally circularshape. More specifically, the support member 1028 is cylindricallyshaped and defines a longitudinal axis A therethrough. The mountingmember 1027 is spaced from the support member 1028 along thelongitudinal axis A. In addition, the support member 1028 is sizedrelatively larger than the mounting member 1027, as will be furtherexplained. A surface of the support member 1028 facing away from themounting member 1027 is a second side 1038 (FIG. 4) of the interfaceassembly 1014. A mount 1040 is secured to the second side 1038 (such asby fasteners). The illustrated mount 1040 is itself a plate having agenerally circular shape and is sized relatively smaller than thesupport member 1028. In some embodiments, the mount 1040 is integrallyformed as one piece with the support member 1028. The interface assembly1014 is removably couplable to an end of the robotic arm 1024 (FIG. 5)via the mount 1040.

The illustrated first side 1030 and the second side 1038 are generallyplanar and provide attachment surfaces for the coupling of each of theOBP system 1082 and the end of the robotic arm 1024 to the interfaceassembly 1014. The second side 1038 is preferably opposite the firstside 1030 such that the mount 1040 is on the other side of the body 1020from the bracket 1034, but that need not be the case in all embodiments.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the interface assembly 1014 includes aplurality of channels 1042. The channels 1042 are supported by the body1020. The illustrated channels extend between the mounting member 1027and the support member 1028. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment,the interface assembly 1014 includes three channels 1042. In otherembodiments, the interface assembly 1014 may include two or fewer orfour or more channels 1042.

A portion of each of the channels 1042 is positioned at least partiallyinternally within the mounting member 1027 and partially internallywithin the support member 1028. The channels 1042 are routed to transmitelectrical signals, liquids, gases, or other materials from an entrypoint at a body surface to an exit point. The channels 42 may thereforebe lined or unlined, and may themselves contain wire, hose, pipe, orother forms of conduit to promote the passage of the signals ormaterials. For example, the first and second channels 1042 may be routedto transmit electrical signal, and the third channel 1042 may be routedto transmit fluid such as propellant.

Specifically, in one embodiment, the channels 1042 are formed by conduit(e.g., pipe) extending between connectors or ports positioned on thefirst side 1030 (not shown; axially behind the bracket 1034 from theframe of reference of FIG. 3) of the mounting member 1027 and connectorsor ports 1054 of the support member 1028. The illustrated channels 1042extend from the ports on the first side 1030 as passageways through anedge 1044 of the mounting member 1027 to an intermediate side 1046 ofthe interface assembly 1014. The channels 1042 then extend aspassageways through the support member 1028 from the intermediate side1046 to at or near a top edge 1048 of the support member 1028. Inparticular, the channels 1042 enter and exit the support member 1028 atthe intermediate side 1046. More specifically, the mounting member 1027and the support member 1028 define passages or passageways and thechannels 1042 are formed by conduit (e.g., flexible hose) portions thatextend from the ports on the first side 1030 through the passages of themounting member 1027 and the passages of the support member 1028 to theports 1054 of the support member 1028. The passages may be formed duringmanufacture of the mounting member 1027 and the support member 1028(e.g., by casting) and/or may be formed by boring out the passages inthe mounting member 1027 and the support member 1028 after manufacture.

In other embodiments, the “channels” are instead wire, hose, pipe, orother conduit routed wholly or partially along an outside surface of thebody 1020 and/or the outside surfaces of the support member 1028 and themounting member 1027. In some embodiments, the body 1020 is one pieceand the channels are alternatively formed by the passages such that thechannels are completely embedded within the body 1020. In yet otherembodiments, the channels are a mix of internal, partially embedded, orexternal wires, hoses, pipes, or other conduits extending from an entrypoint on or in the body 1020 to an exit point on or in the body 1020. Inyet still other embodiments, the passages are lined with suitablematerial for forming the channels such that the channels are formed inpart by the passages and the conduit extends from the passages to theports. Furthermore, in some embodiments, all of the ports (i.e., theports on the first side 1030 and the ports 1054) may be located on thesame or different sides, or in any combination thereof, of the body1020. In yet other embodiments, only a single channel is provided, or asingle channel is configured to contain or permit passage of multiplefluids, or a combination of electrical signals, liquids, gases, or othermaterials in a manner as described herein.

Connectors 1074 (FIG. 3), e.g., “quick connect” or similar connectorsfor coupling provide coupling points configured to removably join theports of the mounting member 1027 and the ports 1054 of the supportmember 1028 with external connections in the form of wire, hose, pipe,and other conduit, which will be further described below. The connectors1074 may be integrally formed with the ports 1054 or connected to theports of the first side 1030 and/or the ports 1054 such that theconnectors 1074 extend from the respective ports 1054.

The ports of the mounting member 1027 are in communication with the OBPsystem 1082 (such as by similar connectors 1074 as described above) suchthat the channels 1042 are connected between the OBP system 1082 and theports 1054. In one embodiment, the bracket 1034 includes matingconnectors such that when the OBP system 1082 is secured by the bracket1034 to the first side 1030, the bracket 1034 also fluidly connects theOBP system 1082 with the channels 1042 of the interface assembly 1014.In other words, the OBP system 1082 is fluidly connected with thechannels 1042 through the bracket 1034. More specifically, the bracket1034 includes ports and channels extending therebetween similar to thechannels 1042 of the body 1020 which are routed to transmit electricalsignals, liquids, gases, or other materials. For example, the bracket1034 includes ports for fluidly connecting between the ports on thefirst side 1030 of the body 1020 and connection points of the OBP system1082. The wire, hose, pipe, or other conduit extends between the portsand/or the bracket 1034 itself may define passages extending between theports for forming the channels of the bracket 1034.

On the other, second side 1038 of the interface assembly 1014, the ports1054 of the support member 1028 are fluidly connected to the testingfacility 1022, as further discussed below. Therefore, the OBP system1082 may be fluidly connected to the testing facility 1022 via thechannels 1042.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the testing facility 1022 includinga vessel or chamber 1080. The chamber 1080 includes a plurality oflateral chambers 1084 and a main test chamber 1088. In the illustratedembodiment, the chamber 1080 includes two lateral chambers 1084. Inother embodiments, the chamber 1080 may include one or three or morechambers 1080 or sub chambers (i.e., test chamber 1088, lateral chambers1084). The two illustrated lateral chambers 1084 are positioned atopposite ends of the test chamber 1088. Furthermore, the two lateralchambers 1084 may be termed as the OBP system engagement chambers.

With reference to FIG. 8, the testing facility 1022 further includes aplurality of connection points 1090 for connection to vacuum pumps 1096.As such, the vacuum pump 1096 may be in operative communication with thechamber 1080. In the illustrated embodiment, the test chamber 1088includes four openings 1090, and each lateral chamber 1084 includes oneopening 1090. In other embodiments, the testing facility 1022 mayinclude one or more openings 1090 for connection to a vacuum pump 1096.The illustrated openings 1090A of the test chamber 1088 are configuredfor connection with a cryopump or cryogenic pump 1096A. Each opening1090B of the lateral chamber 1084 is configured for connection with aturbomolecular pump 1096B, an example of which is a stand-in Pfeiffervacuum turbopump sold by Pfeiffer Vacuum. Other pumps suitable therewithinclude ion pumps, cryopumps, or diffusion pumps. In other embodiments,the chamber 1080 may comprise one or three or more vacuum pumps 1096 foreach chamber 1080 or sub chamber 1084, 1088, or with only one vacuumpump 1096 serving all chambers 1080 or sub chambers 1084, 1088.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, each of the lateral chambers 1084 isseparated from the test chamber 1088 by a partition or divider 1092. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the divider is a valve 1092. The valve 1092is movable from a first open position in which the associated lateralchamber 1084 and the test chamber 1088 are in fluid communication, to asecond closed position in which the associated lateral chamber 1084 andthe test chamber 1088 are not in fluid communication. In alternativeembodiments, no valve or other partition exists between the lateralchamber(s) 1084 and the test chamber 1088.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, an end 1086 of each lateral chamber1084 includes a rim 1093 forming an opening 1094 fluidly connecting aninternal volume 1076 of the lateral chamber with the externalenvironment (i.e., of a laboratory or testing room). As shown in FIG. 5,one of the lateral chambers 1084 (i.e., the one to the right from theframe of reference of FIG. 5) includes a cover 1095 secured to the rim1093 for enclosing the opening 1094, and the other of the lateralchambers 1084 (i.e., the one to the left from the frame of reference ofFIG. 5) is open to the external environment. An outer circumferentialportion 1078 (FIG. 6) of the support member 1028 of the interfaceassembly 1014 cooperates with the rim 1093. In other words, the supportmember 1028 is sized corresponding to a circumference of the rim 1093such that the support member 1028 is engageable with the entirecircumference of the rim 1093. Furthermore, an internal surface 1079(e.g., “chamber wall”) of the lateral chamber 1084 is generallycylindrical in view of conditions during testing, as will be furtherexplained. The rim 1093 may also form a portion of and be termed as thechamber wall.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 8, the lateral chamber 1084 includes asupply assembly 1105. The illustrated supply assembly 1105 is positionedat a top 1101 of the mount chamber 1084 adjacent the rim 1093, asillustrated, but in other embodiments could be positioned about therespective lateral chamber 1084 at other locations. The supply assembly1105 is connected (by connectors not shown) to external supplies (e.g.,a propellant supply, a power supply, water, etc.) for supplying therespective material through ports 1102 to the ports 1054 of theinterface assembly 1014. In the illustrated embodiment, the ports 1054form the male connection and the ports 1102 form the female connection.However, in other embodiments, the ports 1102 may include connectors1074 extending from the ports 1102 for connecting to the ports 1054 ofthe interface assembly 1014.

The interface assembly 1014 and/or the testing facility 1022 may furthercontain diagnostic equipment such as diagnostic probes, sensors, straingauges, and other testing components 1098. For example, as shown in FIG.9, the testing facility 1022 includes a plurality of sensors 1098positioned within the chamber 1080 (including the lateral chamber 1084).The sensors 1098 are configured to measure the temperature, emittedexhaust beam, and other testing and environmental parameters that occurduring testing within the chamber 1080. In addition, the interfaceassembly 1014 may include a force measurement system, for instance astrain gauge load cell (not shown) positioned intermediate the OBPsystem 1082 and the first side 1030 (i.e., between the bracket 1034 andthe OBP system 1082) or at another suitable location. The strain gaugeload cell is configured to measure the output thrust force produced bythe OBP system 1082 during testing.

The testing components 1098 (e.g., the sensors in the chamber 1080, thestrain gauge load cell, and others) are in electrical communication witha controller 1120. The controller 1120 may form a part of a test controland data recording system for collecting data indicated by the sensors1098. The controller 1120 may send the data to a main controller orcontrol system or may itself be the main controller for controllingoperation of the testing facility 1022. In particular, the controller1120 is operable to control and/or initiate testing parameters such asfluid flow, electrical signals, etc., to the OBP system 1082 and tooperate diagnostic equipment and the sensors 1098 as part of the testingprocedure. The controller 1120 may be further in operable communicationwith the vacuum pumps 1096, the valve 1092, and the manipulation system1026. In embodiments with a strain gauge load cell positioned locally tothe interface assembly 1014, the load cell may be electrically connectedto the controller 1120 via the channels 1042 routed to transmitelectrical signals.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 6-9, the robotic arm 1024 of themanipulation system 1026 is configured to move the interface assembly1014 between a first, disengaged position (FIGS. 1 and 6) and a second,engaged position (FIG. 7). When the interface assembly 1014 is in thedisengaged position, the interface assembly 1014 is not fluidlyconnected or otherwise coupled to the respective lateral chamber 1084.Specifically, the manipulation system 1026 supports the interfaceassembly 1014 in the disengaged position (FIG. 1). When the interfaceassembly 1014 is in the engaged position, the interface assembly 1014(i.e., the support member 1028) is secured to the rim 1093 and thechannels 1042 are fluidly connected to the ports 1102 of the supplyassembly 1100. As shown in FIG. 1, the manipulation system 1026 ispositioned such that some or all of it may be external to the lateralchamber 84 (FIG. 1). More specifically, all or a portion of themanipulation system 1026 may be positionable within a transfer location1109 or otherwise configured for access to both the transfer location1109 and the lateral chamber 1084.

The interface assembly 1014 is partially insertable (by the manipulationsystem 1026) into a lateral chamber 1084 and removably couplable to theend 1086 of the lateral chamber 1084 (i.e., the OBP system engagementchamber) to seal the internal volume 1076. In the illustratedembodiment, the outer circumferential portion 1078 of the support member1028 is coupled to the rim 1093, such as by fasteners (e.g., bolts), andthe mounting member 1027 (having the OBP system 1082) extends from thesupport member 1028 by the legs 1029 within the lateral chamber 1084. Inparticular, the mounting member 1027 is sized smaller than the supportmember 1028 for fitting within the lateral chamber 1084. In addition,the support member 1028 of the interface assembly 1014 is configured asa cover for enclosing the opening 1094. The OBP system 1082 ispositioned within the lateral chamber 1084 when the support member 1028is secured to the lateral chamber 1084.

The coupling of the interface assembly 1014 to the rim 1093 may beautomatic and/or manually performed. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, the robotic arm 1024 may position the support member 1028adjacent the rim 1093 and an operator may manually drive fastenersaround the outer circumferential portion 1078 of the support member1028. In other embodiments, the coupling process may be completelyautomatic (e.g., another robot configured to secure the support member1028 to the rim 1093, or automated locks or connectors (e.g., pneumatic,electric) to secure the support member 1028 to the rim 1093). The ports1054 of the interface assembly 1014 are fluidly coupled with the ports1102 of the supply assembly 1105 concurrently with or after theinterface assembly 1014 is secured to the rim 1093 of the respectivelateral chamber 1084.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the ports 1054 of the support member 1028 arefluidly connected when the interface assembly 1014 is mounted orotherwise secured to the lateral chamber 1084. In particular, in theillustrated embodiment as shown in FIG. 8, an end of each of thechannels 1042 having the port 1054 is received in the respective port1102 of the supply assembly 1100 when the support member 1028 is mountedflush with the rim 1093. In other embodiments, the ports 1054 may beconnected with the ports 1102 of the supply assembly 1105 by clamps,pneumatic locks, or other types of connectors/fasteners that fluidlycouple the ports 1054, 1102 together. Operational engagement of theinterface assembly 1014 with the vessel 1080, to be further described,may therefore be fully automated.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the OBP systemengagement chamber 1084 in which the supply assembly 1105 is at leastpartially within the chamber 1084. In this embodiment, the outercircumferential portion 1078 of the support member 1028 is sized suchthat the support member 1028 fits wholly within the lateral chamber1084. The ports 1102 of the supply assembly 1105 are also positioned onthe portion of the supply assembly 1105 that is within the lateralchamber 1084 such that the fluid connection between the interfaceassembly 1014 and the supply assembly 1100 is within the lateral chamber1084. A cover 1095 is secured to the opening 1094 after the interfaceassembly 1014 is mounted within the lateral chamber 1084 for sealing thechamber 1084. The cover 1095 may be hinge-mounted or securable in amanner again permitting operational engagement of the interface assembly1014 with the vessel 1080, to be further described, to be fullyautomated.

The supply assembly 1105 of FIG. 10 may include a performancemeasurement stand (i.e., a stand including and/or electrically connectedto the testing components 1098, such as the sensors, within the chamber1080). In one example, the performance measurement stand may include aninverted pendulum stand having non-contact actuators such aselectromagnets. Alternative to the strain gauge load cell positioned onthe interface assembly 1014, the inverted pendulum stand determines theoutput thrust force produced by the OBP system 1082 during testing basedon how much force the electromagnets generate to maintain the OBP system1082/interface assembly 1014 in an upright position (relative to thelateral chamber 1084). In another embodiment, the performancemeasurement stand may be a torsional pendulum, which determines outputthrust force produced by the OBP system during testing based on anangular displacement of a torsional spring. As such, the testingfacility 1022 may include the sensors and other measurement componentssuitable to measure the thrust output, as well as the temperature,emitted exhaust beam, and other testing and environmental parametersthat occur during testing within the chamber 1080.

With reference to FIG. 11, the steps of assembly and operation oftesting of the OBP 1082 system is discussed below.

In a first step of assembly and operation, the OBP system 1082 iscoupled to the interface assembly 1014 via the mounting member1027/bracket 1034, step 150. This step may be manual or semi-automatedand/or facilitated by additional equipment, and may include coupling theports of the first side 1030 with mating ports of the bracket 1034 andOBP system 1082 using external connections such as the connectors 1074or otherwise in the form of wire, hose, pipe, or other conduitconfigured to transmit electrical signals, liquids, gases, or othermaterials as necessary for testing. Step 150 occurs in the transferlocation 1109 but may in some instances occur near or in the lateralchamber 1084. In other embodiments, the OBP system 1082 is coupled tothe interface assembly 1014 in a separate procedure and then the OBPsystem 1082/interface assembly 1014 is positioned within the transferlocation 1109.

In a second step 154, the interface assembly 1014 is coupled to themanipulation system 1026 via the mount 1040. The manipulation system1026, which may be controlled by the controller 1120 or independentlycontrolled, and in particular the robotic arm portion 1024 thereof, isbrought into proximity with the mounting member 1040 and coupled theretowithout manual assistance. In some embodiments, the interface assembly1014 may first be coupled to the manipulation system 1026 and thereafterthe OBP system 1082 is coupled to the mounting member 1027/bracket 1034.

In a third step 158, the interface assembly 1014 is connected to orengaged with the testing facility 1022. With respect to the testingfacility 1022 of FIGS. 5-7, the interface assembly 1014 is coupled tothe end 1086 of the lateral chamber 1084 and is operationally connectedto the testing facility 1022 via the supply assembly 1105. Inparticular, step 158 may include moving the interface assembly 1014/OBPsystem 1082 from the transfer location 1109 toward the lateral chamber1084. Step 158 may further include positioning the support member 1028adjacent the rim 1093 of the lateral chamber 1084 such that the mountingmember 1027 and the OBP system 1082 is positioned within the lateralchamber 1084. Step 158 may further include securing the support member1028 of the interface assembly 1014 to the rim 1093.

With respect to the testing facility 1022 of FIG. 10 and the third step158, the interface assembly 1014 is positioned within the lateralchamber 1084 and is connected to the testing facility 1022 via thesupply assembly 1105 within the chamber 1084. In particular, if mountingof the interface assembly 1014 to the manipulation system 1026 occurs inthe transfer location 1109, step 158 includes moving the interfaceassembly 1014/OBP system 1082 from the transfer location 1109 into thelateral chamber 1084. Step 158 further includes positioning theinterface assembly 1014 onto the supply assembly 1105. The manipulationsystem 1026 may only need to position the interface assembly 1014proximate the supply assembly 1105, with the weight of the interfaceassembly 1014/OBP system 1082 wholly or partially supported by themanipulation system 1026.

The ports 1054 (or its connectors 1074) are coupled to the ports 1102the supply assembly 1105. In some embodiments, positioning of theinterface assembly 1014 adjacent the supply assembly 1105 results inconcurrent and automatic coupling of the connectors 1074 of the ports1054 with the supply ports 1102 (or its connectors). In one example, thechannels 1042 are received in the ports 1102 when the interface assembly1014 is moved into the engaged position for the automatic connection tothe supply assembly 1105. In other embodiments, the flexiblewires/hose/conduit, etc. extend from the supply ports 1102 to theabove-mentioned connectors 1074, and may require manual assistance forcoupling thereto. Once so connected in either manner, the OBP system1082 is in electrical/gas/liquid/fluid communication with the testingfacility 1022 through the interface assembly 1014 (via the connectors1074 and the ports 1102, 1054). Specifically, electrical signals (powerand data), liquids, gases, or other materials can be transferred fromthe testing facility 1022 to the OBP system 1082.

In a fourth step 162, if the interface assembly 1014/OBP system 1082 issecured to the rim 1093 or within the chamber 1084, the manipulationsystem 1026 is subsequently decoupled from the interface assembly 1014(the mount 1040) and may further be moved (away) from the lateralchamber 1084.

In a step 166, the controller 1120 activates the vacuum pumps 96, 1096A,1096B to evacuate air in the lateral and test chambers 1084, 1088 tosimulate a space environment. The controller 1120 may be furtherconfigured to manipulate the valve 1092 from a closed position to anopen position for introducing the OBP system 1082 to the test chamber1088. Specifically, the OBP system 1082 is no longer isolated from thetest chamber 1088 once the valve 1092 is opened. Furthermore, the valve1092 may only be opened once the controller 1120 has determined that theOBP system 1082 is properly connected to the supply assembly1100/performance measurement stand and the chamber 1080 has beenevacuated to appropriately simulate a space environment. At this point,the OBP system 1082 is ready for testing.

In a sixth step 170, the controller 1120 enables operation of the OBPsystem 1082. As part of this, the controller 1120 is configured toactivate the supply assembly 1105 to provide the desired electricalsignal(s), fluid (e.g., propellant), gas or other materials from thesupply assembly 1105 to the OBP system 1082 through the interfaceassembly 1014.

In a seventh step 174, the strain gauge load cell or the invertedpendulum stand or the torsional pendulum stand measures a resultantoutput thrust force of the OBP system 1082. This step 174 may furtherinclude measuring, using the diagnostic probes or sensors 1098 (some ofwhich may be located on the stand), and other performance test data suchas temperature, pressure, etc., within the lateral and test chambers 84,88. The controller 1120 having the test control and data recordingsystem monitors and records the performance data including the resultantoutput thrust force and associated parameters (e.g., propellant/fluidflow or consumption rate). This step may further include creating areport and/or analytic graphs of the performance test data.Specifically, the test control and data recording system is configuredto produce a deliverable of test data to prove the OBP system'sperformance.

In an eighth step 178, the controller disables the OBP system 1082.Specifically, the controller deactivates passage of electrical signalsand fluids through the supply assembly 1105 and to the interfaceassembly 1014.

In a ninth step 182, the OBP system 1082 is removed from the chamber1080 after testing is completed. This step 182 may include deactivatingthe vacuum pumps 1096 by the controller 1120 to return the pressurewithin the chamber 1080 to atmospheric. Subsequently, the controller1120 may control the manipulation system 1026 to move the robotic armadjacent the support member 1028 (i.e., external to or within thelateral chamber 1084). This step 182 may further include re-coupling therobotic arm 1024 to the mounting member 1040 automatically or withmanual assistance. The controller 1120 is then operable to control themanipulation system 1026 to move the robotic arm 1204 to return theinterface assembly 1014/OBP system 1082 to the transfer location 1109,after which the OBP system 1082 is detached from the interface assembly1014.

In other embodiments, some steps or portions of steps may be completedin a different order than stated above or may not be completed at all.

As such, the testing of the OBP system 1082 is substantially, if notwholly, automated. Specifically, the controller 1120 or other controlsystem is operable to control selective connection and movement of themanipulation system 1026, establish a testing environment within thechamber 1080 using the vacuum pumps 1096 and the valve 1092, transfersignals and testing materials such as electrical power and data andliquids, gases, etc. to the OBP system 1082 from the testing facility1022, and measure and record test data. As such, all testing of the OBPsystem 1082, from coupling to decoupling of the interface assembly 1014,may be completed in fewer than 8 hours. In other embodiments, thetesting may be completed in fewer than 6 hours.

The present disclosure provides an automated OBP performance testingapparatus that significantly shortens the time required to conduct aperformance test, reduces or eliminates the need for human interactionand assistance in performing the test, reduces the amount of human laborrequired to collect and report test results, reduces the test-to-testvariability that is associated with human manual labor, and provides aunique interface assembly that can accommodate a variety of OBP variantswithout facility modification. The disclosure is amenable to completerobotic and unassisted operation, although operators may perform one orseveral assembly or testing functions. The system of the disclosurepermits significant reduction in the amount of time and labor requiredto conduct testing on an OBP system.

Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the followingclaims.

1.-18. (canceled)
 19. An interface assembly for connecting an on-boardpropulsion system to a testing facility, the interface assemblycomprising: a support member configured for coupling to a manipulationsystem; a mounting member configured for coupling to the on-boardpropulsion system; and a plurality of channels extending between andcoupling the mounting member to the support member.
 20. The interfaceassembly of claim 19, wherein the plurality of channels extends at leastpartially within the mounting member.
 21. The interface assembly ofclaim 19, wherein the plurality of channels extends at least partiallywithin the support member.
 22. The interface assembly of claim 21,wherein the plurality of channels extends at least partially within themounting member.
 23. The interface assembly of claim 19, wherein thesupport member defines a longitudinal axis therethrough, and wherein themounting member is spaced from the support member in the axialdirection.
 24. The interface assembly of claim 19, further including aplurality of legs extending between and coupling the mounting member tothe support member.
 25. A method for testing an on-board propulsionsystem within a testing facility, the method comprising: coupling theon-board propulsion system to an interface assembly; coupling theinterface assembly to a manipulation system; moving, via themanipulation system, the interface assembly toward a chamber of thetesting facility such that at least a portion of the interface assemblyis within the chamber; connecting the interface assembly to the testingfacility such that the interface assembly is configured to receive afluid from the testing facility; operating the on-board propulsionsystem; and measuring and recording an output thrust force of theon-board propulsion system.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein moving,via the manipulation system, the interface assembly toward a chamber ofthe testing facility such that at least a portion of the interfaceassembly is within the chamber includes moving, via the manipulationsystem, the interface assembly entirely within the chamber of thetesting facility.
 27. The method of claim 25, wherein moving, via themanipulation system, the interface assembly toward a chamber of thetesting facility such that at least a portion of the interface assemblyis within the chamber includes moving, via the manipulation system, theinterface assembly toward a chamber of the testing facility to engage awall of the chamber.
 28. The method of claim 25, further includingremoving the atmosphere within the chamber to simulate an outer spaceenvironment.
 29. The method of claim 25, further including moving, viathe manipulation system, the interface assembly away from the chamber ofthe testing facility such that the interface assembly is entirelyoutside of the chamber.
 30. The method of claim 25, wherein the stepsherein are accomplished in fewer than 8 hours.
 31. The method of claim25, further including de-coupling the interface assembly from themanipulation system.